The Olivier Awards, Britain's most prestigious theatre honours, are to return to the Royal Opera House on 28 April 2013.

Now in their 37th year, the awards will be broadcast live on BBC Radio 2 with highlights on ITV shortly after the ceremony ends. As well as being available on TV and radio, big screens in Covent Garden Piazza will relay the ceremony to the theatre-loving public. Proceedings will feature performances from some of the nominated musicals, tributes to award winners, and some very special guests.

Nominations will be announced on 26 March with one award - the BBC Radio 2 Audience Award for the Most Popular Show - decided by the public. Voting for this award is now open on the Olivier Awards website.

Details of this year's ceremony follow the release of last year's Box Office figures from the Society of London Theatre showing that despite unique factors affecting theatre-going in 2012 such as the Olympics and Diamond Jubilee, attendances remained high, slightly up on 2011. Gross sales across London theatres rose to £529 million, generating £88 million in VAT for the Treasury.

For next year's 2014 ceremony, the Olivier Awards are looking for public members of the judging panel, in particular for the Opera and Dance categories. To apply, fill in the online application form stating which shows you've seen over the past year, and including a 150-word review of one of them. The deadline for applications is 5 February 2013.

Which show or performer do you think will do well at this year's Olivier Awards?

Children got to try out musical instruments in their local libraries, thanks to a project funded by Royal Opera House Bridge.

The project has seen Inspiring Music – Central Bedfordshire’s music service – and Central Bedfordshire Libraries coming together to offer a programme of music workshops across the county. The project was created to encourage more young people to use their libraries.

Of the collaboration, Chris Jones, Music Director of Inspiring Music says:

‘There is a perception that libraries are a place where you have to be quiet but - as the staff reassured us - libraries are actually full of life and music fits really well with the space.’

Young people got the chance to play with African drums, ukuleles and samba shakers and so far 15 sessions have taken place in five libraries across the area. To date 218 children and 119 adults have strummed and drummed with a number of these taking up instruments afterwards. The programme has meant that those who wouldn’t usually have access to music have been able to get involved.

‘There are a few people who might not be to keen on the noise but as I say to them: “Isn’t it brilliant to see kids being involved with the library”’ says Wendy Featherstone of Central Bedfordshire Libraries, now under the management of the Arts Council.

‘The music session leaders brilliant at engaging the children and adults - it was a real family affair. Everyone learnt a lot in a fun environment. I hope it’s the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship between the library service and Inspiring Music.’

Since this programme, Royal Opera House Bridge, Central Bedfordshire Library Service and Inspiring Music have been working on developing a creative network for the area that will support more partnerships in the area.